Victims of violent crime and family or household members of deceased victims may have significant out-of-pocket expenses through no fault of their own. Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) helps pay for unreimbursed eligible expenses that result from the crime.

The victim's conduct must not have caused or contributed to the victim's death or injury.

The victim must not have committed a crime that led to the injury or death.

The crime must be reported to law enforcement within five days of the crime or within five days of when the crime could reasonably have been reported. This time limit may be waived, in the interest of justice.

The victim must cooperate with law enforcement officials in their investigation and prosecution of the crime.

The applicant must file a claim within one year of the date of the crime. This time limit may be waived, in the interest of justice.

Adults who were the victim of a crime as a child may apply.

If the victim is listed on the statewide child support lien docket, certain requirements must be met in order to become eligible.

The applicant must cooperate with the Wisconsin Department of Justice by supplying requested information in a timely manner.

The State of Wisconsin pays up to $40,000 and for up to four years of out of pocket expenses that are not paid or payable by a private or group insurance plan, public funds, or any other source, including payments made by the offender.

Once your application has been received, CVC will request the law enforcement investigative report from the law enforcement agency. CVC will use the law enforcement report and your application to determine if your claim is eligible.

The time it takes to determine eligibility varies considerably, depending on the complexity of the claim. However, submitting all requested materials to the Wisconsin Department of Justice in a timely manner will help facilitate the processing of your claim.

For eligible claims, payments will begin as soon as all necessary information has been submitted and reviewed.

For ineligible claims, a written denial decision and explanation of the appeal procedure will be mailed to you.

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